Quality of fixed prosthodontics after twenty-two years

After an observation period of 22 years, this study was conducted to clinically examine and interview patients who in 1984 and 1989 had participated in similar investigations regarding the quality, over time, of treatments with fixed partial dentures. The patients were examined by two standardized and experienced clinicians using the California Dental Association quality rating system, their results indicating that after 22 years the overall survival rates were 46.5% and 41.1% for the originally placed crowns and pontics, respectively. However, a continuing decrease of the crown quality rating was noted during the more than 20-year-long observation period. Restorative treatments with common types of fixed partial dentures can therefore be regarded as both safe and reliable over long periods of time.